7-3 Razoredge Requiem

Your blade broke.

That was wise of you, disengaging your Shikai once you knew I'd discovered your safe zone. And your sword skills have really improved since the last time we crossed blades.

But now that it's broken, you will have to fight using Shikai again.

I never expected my 17 months of training would go to complete waste.

It wasn't a complete waste. Like I said, your skills have definitely improved.

It's just that my skills have also improved just the same.

............

What's wrong? Are you unable to use Shikai with a broken sword?

Bankai. Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.

You're going straight into Bankai? Too bad. I told you I've seen your Bankai enough times as well.

Whether you're in Shikai or in Bankai, once I'm in your safe zone, you're powerless.

Ngh?!

You have revealed your weakness too soon.

My weakness?

The fact that you've figured out my safe zone means I can anticipate exactly where you'll be attacking me from.

If I set up my blades to be within the safe zone, they can cut you.

I'm perplexed. I don't recall you doing this in training.

Weren't you just saying the things I've trained to do won't work on you?

I get it. You're that desperate. Trying to attack me in this manner is a ludicrous strategy!

............

You're using Kido now?

Before you even try that, I'll tell you something. I know how to neutralize and counteract every one of the Kido techniques you possess.

But if you feel you must, then go ahead. Try one on me.

Nh...gh...

How did you...? Oh, I see. You grabbed your own blades on purpose. I never thought you would fight me that way... Remarkable.

I used to believe that battle was something you trained for constantly and went into fully prepared.

But today, our battle was quite different. For the first time, I experienced the ecstasy of being in that moment between life and death.

Thank you. I've thoroughly enjoyed this battle.